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02 November 2010

Breastfeeding Part 16: Closing Thoughts

Well it's been two weeks since I last nursed. The girls are carrying on like normal. I suffered a pretty severe plug 8 days after our last nursing. I no longer have a pump so I googled hand expression and then took Aeralind into the bedroom and had her latch on. She latched and gave me a hysterical look along the lines of "Are you serious? That stuff tastes weird!" However, she got the milk flowing and I was able to hand express the plug in two sessions. (Seriously, why didn't anyone teach me hand expression before now! It would have been perfect in those early days!) 8 Cabbage leaves later and the worst was over.

Looking back, I am so glad I fought to nurse these children. My primary reason for breastfeeding was always financial: we couldn't afford formula. However, I also know the scientific benefits and I loved that I wouldn't have to clean bottles. But those first three months... whew. I would not have made it through except for that commitment and the support of my husband and the lactation staff at St. Francis.

Was it worth it? Yes. Even though I had to pump so much. Even though I had mastitis 3 times. Even though they didn't latch skin to skin until three months. Even though I quit eating dairy for their sake. Even though I hated being a milk cow. Even though I hated pumping and also hated being stuck to their time table (as far as how long I could be away from them).

I will cherish those moments of close snuggling and the fact that my body was able to nourish those babies. I feel blessed that I stayed the course.

But I am so glad this season is over :-)

To those of you reading these words and going through the initial stages of breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding your multiples, I would love to support you however I can. I put my story out there on the web to support you and I have made two friends because of it and been emailed a total of four times. I know that breastfeeding twins takes the support of many people and I would love to be able to assist you however you can.

Hang in there. It's a wild ride, but remember, even in the thick of your worst day: